The world of comics can seem strange to those unfamiliar with the extended continuity; people are constantly dying and being resurrected, everyone seems to be in two places at once and entire universes feature the same exact characters, only with slight alterations (or everyone's a zombie).
In some instances, the world of comics can cross over with our own. On several occasions, comics have pulled real celebrities into the fiction for a fantasy battle or marketing campaign. NBA star Tim Duncan is the latest real-life celebrity to enter the world of comics, as the center for the San Antonio Spurs will soon be crossing paths with the Punisher.
Marvel Comics is no stranger to crossovers. The comic company has collaborated with seemingly everyone in the industry, even rival company DC Comics. The Punisher has had his fair share of crossovers as well. While some make sense, such as the Punisher crossing paths with fellow vigilante Batman, others don't. The most famous one occured when the Punisher once traveled to Riverdale, home of Archie and the gang. Even stranger still, back in 2009, the Punisher teamed up with rapper Eminem; the comic was part of a marketing deal for the artist's album "Relapse."
While other crossovers may seem silly, Tim Duncan teaming up with the Punisher is a natural fit; Duncan is actually pretty well-versed in geekdom. The athlete has been known to play a round or two of Dungeons & Dragons, sports a tattoo of the wizard Merlin on his back and even has a number of comic-themed knee braces (one of them even features the Punisher's signature logo).
Tim Duncan has some pretty interesting knee braces options for Game 7 today. #Spurs #Mavs pic.twitter.com/dZjFxdPKiU
— George Kiel III (@geokthree) May 4, 2014
Duncan's role in the comic is still somewhat vague. He'll definitely be featured in the comic as a mechanic for his auto garage, BlackJack Speed Shop, but any further involvement with the Punisher is still up in the air. While it made more sense for Eminem to pick up a gun and start blasting, Duncan will probably seem more at home in a supporting role.
What has been confirmed is that the comic will also be used as a way to promote charity. The car featured behind Duncan and the Punisher will be built by Duncan's garage and auctioned off, with proceeds going towards a local San Antonio charity.
Marvel Comics nor Tim Duncan have yet to confirm when exactly the comic will be released.
